Overview
- Mateo Retegui converted a penalty and added a curling strike before Gianluca Mancini’s stoppage-time header closed out the win, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making two crucial saves.
- The victory locks Italy into second place in Group I and a World Cup playoff spot, with playoff dates scheduled for March 26 and 31.
- Authorities rated the event at the highest risk level as a large pro‑Palestine demonstration in Udine later saw clashes; attendance was roughly 8–10 thousand in a 16,000‑seat stadium.
- No suspension of Israel was enacted by UEFA or FIFA despite sustained campaigns urging exclusion, while the FIGC announced a donation to Médecins du Monde via the UEFA Foundation for Children.
- Bari declined to host the match and Udine was selected through Udinese’s venue control, with Italy now turning to November fixtures against Moldova and Norway before the playoffs.